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Resources from Portland Fire & Rescue were called to Chinook Landing at approximately 10:20 AM this morning, to support search and rescue operations for a missing boy on the Columbia River.

As was the case today, incidents occurring on the Columbia River often result in multiple agency deployments; the dispatch of several agencies allows neighboring jurisdictions to pool resources and provide an optimal response package.

Members of the Portland Fire & Rescue Dive Team, responded in addition to Rescue Boat 17, Fire Boat 6, Dive Van 1, Squad 1, and two Chief Officers. Rescue diving resources, including divers from Portland Fire & Rescue and Gresham Fire stood by on-scene until it was determined that conditions at the location of the incident, including limited visibility, depth of up to 100', and an increasingly strong current, would not allow for dive operations. Portland units were returned to service shortly thereafter.

Clark County Sheriffs Office is the primary agency responsible for continued search, recovery, and investigative operations; further inquiries regarding this incident should be directed to Clark County Public Information Officer Sergeant Fred Nieman.

Agencies responding to this incident include: The United States Coast Guard, Gresham Fire, Multnomah County Sheriffs Office, Port of Camas, and Southwest Washington Organized Divers (SWORD).

River conditions can always change rapidly; strong currents and cold water can overcome even the strongest swimmer in an instant. Portland Fire & Rescue urges all individuals regardless of age, experience, or ability to wear a properly fitted and rated personal floatation device whenever engaging in activity in or around open water.

Portland Fire & Rescue is responding to a dive incident on the Columbia River with Gresham Fire, Multnomah County Sheriffs Office.

More info will be posted as it becomes available.

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May 28, 2012

11:02 AM

Portland Fire & Rescue is responding to a dive incident on the Columbia River with Gresham Fire, Multnomah County Sheriffs Office.